PRCC, Family, and Friends Celebrate 80 New Practical Nurses in Summer 2024 Ceremony

July 24, 2024

The Ethel Holden Brownstone Center for the Arts was packed with family members and friends supporting their loved ones as Pearl River Community College recognized 80 Practical Nursing graduates at a pinning ceremony held on Monday, July 22. The afternoon was a time of celebration for all while recognizing the hard work each of the students put in during the past year. 

Eighty new nurses in white scrubs stand on risers across a stage.
July 2024 Practical Nursing Graduates

Graduates were greeted by PRCC Dean of Career and Technical Instruction Dr. David Collum with words of congratulation for their accomplishments on behalf of the faculty, staff, and Board of Trustees.  

Man speaks from behind podium while people sit and stand to his right.
Dr. Collum welcomes everyone to the Practical Nursing Pinning Ceremony.

“I applaud your hard work, dedication, and commitment to your education,” Collum said. “There were probably moments when you felt like giving up. However, there are patients out there who need you. Remember the perseverance and grit your instructors helped you develop as you continue your journey.” 

During the pinning ceremony, each student had their dedication card read aloud. Through these, they were able to express their gratitude to those that helped them reach the finish line. 

The Invocation was led by Forrest County Campus student Ashley Hodge. Poplarville Campus student Keuna Taylor led the newly pinned students in reciting the Practical Nurse’s Pledge.  Poplarville Campus student Kadeidra Smith did the closing Benediction. 

Practical Nursing students are listed by campus with hometown in parentheses.  

Forrest County Campus: Claire Adams (Tylertown), Tomayah Allen (Brookhaven), Sierra Barnes (Seminary), Sherida Blackston (Lucedale), Alexis Bodin (Purvis), Noreal Booth (Bassfield), Jacie Bounds (Rocky Creek), Tanya Brown (Raleigh), Amber Clinton (Bassfield), Magean Compton (Hattiesburg), Kaylin Cruse (Pike), DEria Daniels (Hattiesburg), Marian Dean (Ghana, West Africa), Haley Dennis (Petal), Kimberly Ellis (Ellisville), Tiffany Gandy (Hattiesburg), Kally Gaudet (Foxworth), Amerah Gholar (Hattiesburg), Cherrie Givens (Jackson), Shaylynn Grosstephao (Anchorage, AK), Taliyah Harding (Natchez), Ashley Hodge (Richland), Camerao Housley (Purvis), Daizha Johnson (Hattiesburg), Gabriel Johnson (Tylertown), Jalisa Johnson (Hattiesburg), Taooshea Keys (Collins), Marissa Knight (Tylertown), Jasmine Mascaro (Purvis), DeAsia McCleodoo (Gulfport), Sue McElhaney (Petal), Caaliyah McMilliao (Pascagoula), Shabrea Mccray (Laurel), Andreshia Payton (Columbia), Chelsea Phillips (Ellisville), Ashley Prewitt (Collins), Jasmine Reed (Richton), Sarah Rushing (Magee), Kyla Shelby (Natchez), Whitney Smith (Columbia), Audrea Vargas (Petal), Aalyiah Walker (Mendenhall), Halle Wash (Laurel), Jalaysia West (Waynesboro), Niquia Williams (Hattiesburg), Dreamer Wilson (Lollin), and Takia Young (Lumberton.) 

Poplarville Campus: Jacqueline Arechiga (Santa Ana, CA), Jazmine Barnett (Hattiesburg), Kristal Blye (Poplarville), Julia Carson (Columbia), Gada Clay (Vicksburg), Raodi Cole (Leakesville), Gabrielle Crawford (Picayune), Dara Cuevas Waltman (Saucier), Kayla Deschamp (Kiln), Aliesha Fairley (Wiggins), Aleah Gibson (Sumrall), Kyleigh Greene (State Line), Jasmine Hall (Picayune), Destiny Hariel (Kiln), Kianoa Johnson (Wiggins), Xyriona Jones (New Orleans, LA), Shykerria Keyes (Raleigh), Cierra Knighten (Slidell, LA), Ebony Lenoir (Brookhaven), Arneisha Mitchell (Columbia), Lydonia Randall (Foxworth), Ariana Reese (Bassfield), Alisa Smith (Prentiss), Kadeidra Smith (Hattiesburg), Lastarsha Smith (Moss Point), Sydney St Aimie (Sumrall), Keuoa Taylor (Purvis), Alexis Tedesco (Chalmette, LA), Joslin Thornton (Taft, TX), Margaret Tingle (Slidell, LA), Jazsmio Walton (Picayune), Kerriogstoo White (Hattiesburg), and Nya Williams (Lumberton) 

LPN PROGRAM OPTIONS AND HOW TO APPLY 
The Practical Nursing program is available for full-time students during the day at the Forrest County and Poplarville Campuses. An evening/weekend option is available at all three campuses (Forrest County, Hancock, and Poplarville.) Full-time students complete the program in 3 semesters (one year) while part-time students take five semesters to finish. 

Prospective students must first meet all PRCC admission requirements before completing the Practical Nursing application. Applicants must also take the TEAS Test completed through ATI Testing. The deadline to apply to ANY option is March 1.  

For the latest news on Pearl River Community College, visit PRCC.edu and follow us on Twitter (@PRCC_Wildcats), Instagram (PRCCWILDCATS), Facebook (@PRCCMKTG), and TikTok (@prcc_wildcats).

Group photo by River Roderick. Article and other photos by Laura O’Neill.

Each community college president is asked to bring two (2) wrapped door prizes, minimum value of $50 each. We will have a station set up at the conference for you to drop off the door prizes.

Each community college is asked to provide name tags for their Board members, administration, and staff attending the conference.